10 accessible winter activities for seniors

Winter creates extra challenges for those with limited mobility. With slippery surfaces and hidden obstacles to navigate, outdoor tasks can become a challenge. In fact, as many as 57% of people aged 60 avoid going out due to safety concerns over icy pavements and reduced visibility. These fears are founded: the NHS reports an increase in fall-related callouts when temperatures drop.

But winter doesn’t have to mean missing out. With some planning, there are plenty of accessible winter activities that are safe and uplifting – whether you prefer festive days out or cosy indoor hobbies.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the challenges older people face during colder months, then offer a few activity ideas that help you make the most of the festive period. 

Mobility challenges in cold weather

Cold weather brings a flurry of challenges to seniors and those with limited mobility, with hazards ranging from trips and falls, to fatigue, discomfort and hypothermia. Here are some of the biggest issues to watch out for. 

Snow and icy floors

Winter weather often brings snow and ice, which can create slippery, uneven surfaces. These are a challenge for even the most able-bodied people, let alone those with mobility issues.

For mobility aid users, navigating pavements or paths becomes significantly riskier during winter unless surfaces are properly gritted and cleared. Wheelchairs and canes rely on good ground traction. Ice reduces this grip, making propulsion harder and raising the risk of losing balance. 

Inaccessibility of ramps and curbs

Snow can obscure ramps and curbs, making it tricky for mobility aid users to find a step-free way forward. When these species aren’t cleared, access to shops, transport and public areas is restricted, reducing independence and participation. Communities play a vital role in keeping pathways safe and clear for people with mobility issues. 

Lower visibility 

The sun sets early in winter, which means visibility plummets much earlier in the day when many of us still have errands to run or dogs to walk. This means obstacles and slippery patches of ice are less easy to spot. Not only do older people often struggle with poor eyesight – they’re less able to right themselves after a trip, making evening walks far riskier during winter. 

Accessible outdoor activities in winter weather

Even during colder months, you can enjoy the outdoors safely with a little forward planning. Here are our top winter activities for elderly people filled with festive cheer, minus the hazards. 

Christmas markets

Offering hot food, handmade crafts, seasonal produce, steaming mulled wine, carollers and more, Christmas markets are all but guaranteed to get you feeling festive. And as an added bonus, many offer level paths and accessible lavatories. 

• Choose your time carefully. To make the most of your visit, it’s best to avoid visiting during weekends, when crowds swell and space gets a bit tight. Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to see them at their quietest. This means you’ve more room to maneuver your wheelchair or scooter, and you’re less likely to be jostled and lose your footing.  

• Check accessibility details online (or give organisers a call) before you go. Most major markets offer maps and notes on step-free routes, plus seated areas for resting if you need it. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. 

Choose well-established markets (such as Birmingham, Edinburgh or Bath) if possible, as these tend to invest more heavily in accessibility.

Winter gardens

Who says garden visits are a summer activity? Not only are winter gardens a lovely way to enjoy nature and fresh air – leaves dusted with glittering frost look magical in the low winter sun. Many offer wide, level paths that are suitable for mobility aids, so you can enjoy the seasonal displays and light displays in confidence.  

Two unmissable examples, with typical 2025 pricing:

• Kew Gardens, London: Fully accessible routes, mobility equipment hire and indoor rest areas, where you can warm up with a hot drink. Concession daytime prices for senior citizens (65+) range from £14 for an off-peak ticket bought online, to £25 at the gate. Check the website for special events.
• National Trust gardens: Many have accessible trails and car parks, gorgeous Christmas displays and warm cafes serving hot food and drinks to take the chill off after a day’s exploring. Prices vary by site, so check online beforehand.   

Museums and exhibitions

Not all museums and exhibition spaces are accessible, due to the fact many are housed in historic buildings with narrow corridors and uneven flooring. But if you’ve ever searched for wheelchair accessible day trips near me, many major UK attractions now invest heavily in ramps, lifts and hand rails – some even have porters on-site to lend a hand. 

Popular UK museums with strong accessibility include:

• The British Museum
• Tate Modern and Tate Britain
• The National Railway Museum in York
• The V&A Museum
• The Natural History Museum

These venues typically provide free entry, making them a great budget-friendly choice. They also often offer accessibility maps to carry around with you, plus step-free routes and assistance points so you can soak in the culture without worry.

Theatres and cinema

Christmas is a great time to catch a winter pantomime, festive show or film screening, with many venues offering discounted tickets for those aged over 60. 

Typical senior pricing:

• ODEON Silvers: tickets start from £3.50 for the over 60s, and include tea, coffee and biscuits before the film.
• Cineworld’s CineSeniors: weekday tickets start from £4.50, and also include complementary biscuits and a hot drink.
• Everyman Cinema’s Silver Screen: weekly matinee screenings for guests 55 and over. Ticket prices include a hot drink and slice of cake or small popcorn.

Many cinemas (like BFI Southbank) also run classic Christmas films or relaxed screenings that are quieter and more accessible for those who prefer calm environments. When booking, look for step-free access, wheelchair spaces, companion seating and hearing loops.

Indoor activities in winter weather

While we’re big advocates for getting fresh air and as much sunlight as possible, especially during the winter, sometimes the weather just doesn’t match expectations. For those looking to enjoy the festivities from the comfort of their own home, there are plenty of ways to stay engaged and social. For those looking to enjoy the festivities in the comfort of their own home, there are still some great indoor activities to get involved in during cold winter months and many make a great excuse to socialise and connect with others, including friends and family members.

Wreath making

Wreath-making is a relaxing, creative activity that supports fine motor skills and provides a sense of accomplishment. You (or a family member) can collect materials from outside – ivy, fir, holly and mistletoe are great options – or buy a wreath-making kit from a craft shop. It’s also a great social activity to enjoy with friends, family or community groups. Don’t forget a nice hot cup of tea and a warm mince pie! 

Puzzles and games

By stimulating your brain, you can keep your mind sharp and strengthen your cognitive function. Games and puzzles, such as crosswords and sudoku, are especially good for this. They also provide a sense of accomplishment. 

Here are some great options:

• Crosswords.
• Sudoku.
• Jigsaw puzzles.
• Large-print puzzles.
• Dementia-friendly tactile games.

Typically, you can find these games in magazines, books, newspapers or even use them on your phone and computer. The non-profit ‘Active Minds’ have developed a series of puzzles that increase wellbeing and help improve communication and interaction.

Bird watching

Bird watching is a great way to feel connected with nature, mentally stimulate your brain, learn something new, and develop a hobby you can enjoy with friends. Best of all? You can enjoy it from the comfort of your rise and recline chair. Arm yourself with a book of British birds and a hot cuppa, and you’re all set. There are also bird tracking apps you can use for recording and identification if a notebook isn’t your thing. 

Chair yoga

We talk a lot about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, and exercise is especially important for seniors. Unfortunately, it’s often the first thing to suffer when the nights draw in – and who could blame you? Rain and darkness don’t make for an enticing evening wander. 

Whether you’re avoiding a snowstorm or struggling with mobility, chair yoga is a safe, low-impact way to stay fit and flexible without the need for expensive equipment. It encourages better circulation, strengthens your muscles and supports increased mobility. There are lots of exercises to try (YouTube is great for tutorials that make you feel like you’re in your very own yoga class). 

Here are some tips: 

• Use an armless chair, so you can move without anything getting in the way.
• Take deep, slow breaths, ideally four seconds to inhale, then four seconds to exhale. 
• Keep your back straight and not slouched against the back of the chair (unless it’s necessary). 
• Listen to your body and do not push too far into any stretch.

Choir / Carol services

Singing boosts mood and supports lung health. Remembering all those songs also gives your memory a workout, which is always a good thing. Whether you’re joining a local choir, attending a carol service, or hosting your own musical get-together, it’s a great way to connect socially and get into the festive spirit. Plus there’s often mince pies and mulled wine thrown in to add to the fun. 

There are plenty more accessible attractions you can comfortably visit. We’ve gathered our own research on the 'Top 30 best accessible attractions in the UK’ for all year around.

Discover how our mobility aids can support your lifestyle

Whether you prefer winter markets, accessible walks, cultural days out or cosy indoor hobbies, the right mobility support can make every activity safer and more enjoyable.

Oak Tree Mobility proudly supports seniors living with mobility challenges through our range of rise and recline chairs, adjustable beds and bath lifts. Each product is custom-made to your specifications, helping improve circulation, reduce pain and make your home that little bit more comfortable.

Request your FREE brochure and home appointment to discover how our mobility aids can help you enjoy winter with confidence and independence.